Actualités

As the results of the 2017 Cinéfondation selection process are unveiled, we talk to last year’s prize winners to find out what they’ve been up to, and look back over 2016’s edition of the festival.


4 questions for Hamid Ahmadi, 2016 prize winner for IN THE HILLS

What was your reaction to winning your award at the Festival de Cannes 2016?


Well... being selected for Cinéfondation was a great surprise in itself, but then during the screenings I realised just how powerful the other films were. When Naomi Kawase announced the name of the film that won second prize, it took me a moment to realize that I wasn’t dreaming. A year on, I can still feel the buzz.
 
What has your award brought you?

In a nutshell: responsibility! When you graduate from film school, you're faced with a lot of fundamental questions: will you be able to keep doing what you like doing the most? Will you be able to make films again? After many years of study and hard work learning your craft, is there any audience for your stories at all?
You think of the wonderful people that you meet at Cinéfondation - filmmakers, jury members and Cinéfondation staff - and you feel part of a very well recognised group of film lovers. This makes you feel confident and at the same time anxious about your next film project. That's a sweet burden to carry!
 
What is your favourite memory from the Festival de Cannes?

Along with the other Cinéfondation filmmakers from all over the world, we were very quick to bond, as if we had known each other for a long time. The fact that we were all living this unbelievable, dream-like experience meant we formed very deep bonds. We experienced an unforgettable moment together. At least, that’s how I feel.
 
Are you working on anything new?

At the moment, I'm writing my first feature-length film. The plan is to have it ready for 2019.